Damage Model issue?

[Biggs]

Originally Posted by gimpy117

i think that in itself is a bug. fuel tank explosions are EXTREMELY rare. Because certain conditions must exist for explosive combustion inside a tank. Generally With a tank full, It will not happen. Sure, It will Burn like heck but it won't go boom, because fuel in itself does not explode, but the VAPOR does.

^THIS....

that is something i was also thinking, tho mostly because the fuel tank explosion happens pretty frequently and 'early' in the plane's progression of damage... usually i get coolant punctures with the first couple seconds worth of bullet strikes... its in the next seconds worth that usually triggers the explosion...

unless im fairly accurate at hitting the cockpit area of the fuselage (which im most likely not ) then the total destruction of the fuel tank is definitely too easy to damage.

One other thing... If the tank does explode wouldnt the force of the explosion sever some if not all control cables? Im pretty certain that it would cut the cables goin back into the tail section (rudder and elevators). because right now other thank looking pretty, it has no secondary consequence

[trademe900]

No it wouldn't. A fuel tank being set alight would just burn. This is well documented. Seldom would there be the right conditions for an explosion to cause the aircraft to disintegrate instantly. Disintegration would happen after a period of time. An aircraft will burn for a surprisingly long time before it falls apart, especially a big bomber flying level and straight, not under the huge stress from evasive maneuvers that fighters might be under. As 41sqdrn mentioned, a very rare event.

The damage model is completely porked right now in regards to bomber fuel tanks, especially on the he111, ju88 and blenheim. The do17z seems very believable though, but having said that the do17z was the strongest wing design of the bombers.

The Do17s are very easy to down so I also have some doubts about this DM.

[trademe900]

Originally Posted by 41Sqn_Stormcrow

The Do17s are very easy to down so I also have some doubts about this DM.

They are easy to down but I believe that problem is to do with the AI. They seem to abort the aircraft very early. However, the do17z does not have the silly hollywood explosions.

[Sutts]

Has anyone added this important issue to the bugtracker please?

I totally agree, fuel tank fires that spread and cause wing failure after a few minutes should be the most common damage effect. From the accounts I've read, explosions did happen but usually after a period of flying along with a burning wing. Bombers exploding immediately were more likely to be caused by a hit on the bomb load.